Maps

Project Information Papers

The Major Rehabilitation and Major Maintenance Program for the Locks and Dams on the Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway has been ongoing since 1975. Major rehabilitation consists of reliability or efficiency improvements.

The river bank is very steep at this location, and the concerns are that additional movement of the bank will not only affect the safe passage of vehicles on E. 2nd Street, but may also affect the operations of the Sinnissippi Dam, which is a source of hydroelectric power. An opportunity exists to protect the bank and prevent damages to the public infrastructure.

This Silver Jackets pilot project has been establishing a standard operating procedure (SOP) to provide the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Water Resources (IDNR-OWR) personnel log-in access to MICA (mobile information collection application) and a way to use the multiple districts within Illinois MICA streams.

The Planning Assistance to States and Tribes (PAS&T) Program provides States, counties, local communities and Indian tribes with planning level assistance in addressing a water resources issues and planning needs.

In recent years, the Upper Mississippi River watershed has experienced more frequent flooding with higher stages, particularly in the last ten years with major floods occurring in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014.

Section 1135 of the 1986 Water Resources Development Act, as amended, provides authority for the Corps of Engineers to determine the need for project modifications in the structures and operations of existing Corps of Engineers projects for the purpose of improving the environment in the public interest.

Section 204 of the 1992 Water Resources Development Act, as amended, provides authority for the Corps of Engineers to restore, protect, and create aquatic and wetland habitats in connection with construction or maintenance dredging of an authorized navigation project.

The Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and codified in 33 USC 408 (commonly referred to as “Section 408”) authorizes the Secretary of the Army, on the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers of the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), to grant permission for the alteration or occupation or use of a civil works project provided the Secretary determines that the activity will not be injurious to the public interest and will not impair the usefulness of the project.

In 1989, the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) was developed and implemented as guidance for the management, protection and preservation of the Mississippi River's environment, while allowing a balanced use of the shoreline.

The UMRR Program was authorized by the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986 and continuously authorized by WRDA 99.The program consists of two primary elements: habitat rehabilitation projects, and systemic monitoring and research. Some of the key provisions of the Program are: 1) it is a continuing authority; 2) the total authorized annual funding amount is $33,170,000; and 3) the requirement for a Report to Congress every six years to evaluate the Program and document progress and its accomplishments, identify systemic habitat needs, and recommend adjustments as needed.

The Keithsburg Division of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is a 1,400-acre backwater complex located along the left descending bank of the UMRS between river miles 428.0 and 431.0.